Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia)
Postpartum bleeding, called lochia, is normal and expected after birth. It's your body shedding the uterine lining and is part of how the uterus heals. Here's everything you need to know.
Warning Signs: Soak more than one pad per hour for two hours? Go to the ER — this could be postpartum hemorrhage.
The Three Stages of Lochia
Lochia progresses through three stages over 4–6 weeks:
- Lochia rubra (Days 1–4): Bright or dark red, heavy flow, possible clots up to golf-ball size
- Lochia serosa (Days 4–10): Pinkish or brownish, moderate flow, watery consistency
- Lochia alba (Days 10–6 weeks): Yellowish-white, light flow, gradually tapering to nothing
Managing Postpartum Bleeding
Use maternity pads — never tampons — during lochia. Stock up before birth as you'll need them for several weeks. Activity can temporarily increase flow; if bleeding increases significantly after exerting yourself, it's a signal to slow down. Breastfeeding can cause cramping that increases flow briefly due to oxytocin release.
When Bleeding Is a Warning Sign
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience: soaking more than one pad per hour for two consecutive hours, passing clots larger than a golf ball, foul-smelling discharge (sign of infection), bright red bleeding that restarts after it had lightened, fever with heavy bleeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 4–6 weeks, though some people experience light spotting up to 8 weeks, especially with breastfeeding.
No — you still have lochia after a C-section as the uterus still sheds its lining. The amount and duration are similar to vaginal birth.
Small clots (up to golf-ball sized) are normal in the first few days. Clots larger than a golf ball, or large clots after the first week, warrant a call to your provider.